Those of us who spend hours in the garden are a proud sort. We work tirelessly to ensure that our outdoors area looks on point all year round. Even during the winter, we can be found pottering around in the garden tending to cold weather plants and shrubbery. We love the time we spend in the garden, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we don’t wish that maintenance wasn’t at least a little easier. That and it can be oh so disheartening when all of our hard work is ruined at the first sight of bad weather.

Traditionalists may turn their noses up at the idea, but artificial grass has become more and more popular over the years in commercial and residential areas. The improved quality and evolution in manufacturing methods now means that it is pretty hard to tell the difference between fake grass and the real thing.

But is it cheating?

Well…

Winter gardening

When it comes to lawns in the winter, there really isn’t much that we can do. The weather is simply too wet and cold, leaving grass looking sorry for itself and at the mercy of the conditions. Brown spots, muddy patches and dead grass are all unsightly features that all gardeners have had to contend with at one time or another.

That doesn’t mean that it is impossible to maintain a healthy lawn in the cold months – after all, many professional sports teams manage to do so. It does, though, require a lot of time and effort that the recreational gardener simply doesn’t have, not to mention the finances required to invest in the relevant materials and equipment.

Moving away from grass

The time and effort is certainly a contributing factor as to why many gardens are starting to veer away from including a lawn, instead opting for patio and flowerbeds mixed in with other outdoor features. Done right, these gardens can look every bit as beautiful as those that do, but you just can't help but feel they are lacking something.

Given the option, we are almost certain that every gardener’s perfect garden consists of a lusciously green lawn. The reason they choose not to have it is purely down to maintenance, and it’s easy to understand why. Just some of the reasons that make maintaining a real lawn so difficult are, but not limited to:

Children playing on the grass and running mud through the home

Pets digging up the lawn

Poor weather – either too much or not enough rain

Not enough sunlight

Wildlife

While some factors are obviously avoidable, some simply are not depending on the location of your home. This means that you have to do the best with the cards you are dealt.

Spring/Summer gardening

This is the time when we really look forward to getting stuck into the garden, as it is when we can spend time delivering a shot of TLC to areas of the garden that have suffered over the winter. This might be when you re-seed your lawn to restore it to its previous majestic splendor. Alternatively, you may have already decided that your time is better spent elsewhere, and your lawn has been on top form all year round as it is artificial.

Is installing artificial grass in your garden cheating? Or is it simply working smarter in order to maintain a gorgeous garden, leaving you more time to tend to your blossoms?

We are sure that you have your own thoughts on the matter, and welcome your comments below.

I am a fan of fake, we just installed a lot in our backyard last year and I'm tempted to do it in the front. Drought is a hot topic in California and having landscaping that minimizes water usage. Added bonus that it's dog friendly and easy to maintain. :-)

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Bambi Nikiphoros

1/15/2018 11:53:58 am

I would opt for artificial grass. I think it would be easier to maintain.

Reply

ellen beck

1/16/2018 01:14:51 am

I am torn on it. It would have some pros such ass no mowing, so less emissions .The cons would be price- would it be worth it, and just how long before it looks horrible?Does it slip about when it rains or what happens when it snows. I would have to really think about it.

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Peggy Nunn

2/28/2018 08:13:14 am

I would love to have artificial grass. No cutting, no trimming, no backaches.... I wish we could afford it.

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Maryann D.

3/2/2018 05:24:24 am

I would love artificial grass! My family is very allergic so it is difficult for us to work on our lawn.

I would opt for artificial grass, because I want a good looking lawn, but I don't want to do the yard work.

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Scotty

4/9/2018 12:50:33 pm

Artificial lawns are a bad idea. If you want to go with the low maintenance then look for local grass blends. They are a blend of different types of grass to handle the local climate.

For example, I can get one locally that is resistant to local pests and diseases, requires no watering, grows very slowly and not as high.

I plan on replacing my lawn with this. It means that I won't have to cut or water it but it is real grass which is way better for the environment and your loved ones.

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﻿﻿Hi, I'm Laura and hail from Western New York. I consider myself a lifelong learner who loves gardening with a 360 degree view. Thanks for stopping by!﻿

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